Mass Effect Books

As of now there are only four novels set in the Mass Effect universe. Because the trilogy of Mass Effect games is meant to relate specifically to the player's story, none of the novels feature Commander Shepard as a character. Shepard is only mentioned briefly in Mass Effect: Retribution.

Three out of the four Mass Effect novels have been written by Drew Karpyshyn, and published by Del Rey Books. While the fourth novel, Mass Effect: Deception, has be written by William C. Dietz.

Mass Effect: Revelation is set as a prequel to the original Mass Effect, in the year 2165. The plot follows two characters, David Anderson and Saren Arterius, who investigate an attack on a human research station. Revelation was published in May 2007.

Mass Effect: Ascension is set just months after the events in Mass Effect. The novel concerns a young Biotic prodigy, Gillian Grayson, who is being pursued by Cerberus. Kahlee Sanders, who's role was significant in Revelation, aids Grayson. Ascension was published in July 2008.

There have been several other books released since Mass Effect's release which include additional lore and background information in regards to the Mass Effect universe.

Galactic Codex: Essentials Edition 2183 is a booklet which contains background information on the Mass Effect universe. The booklet was included in the Collector's Edition of the original Mass Effect.

The Art of Mass Effect is an art book that was released with the original Mass Effect. The art book included 175 pages of concept art ranging from characters to scenery of the Mass Effect universe. The book was published in November 2007 by Prima Games and included within special editions of the Mass Effect Prima strategy guide.

Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition Art Book is another art book that was bundled with hard copies of the Limited Collector's Edition of Mass Effect 2. The book can also be purchased separately from the BioWare Store.

The Art of the Mass Effect Universe is a hardcover art book that features never-before-seen artwork created by the artists of BioWare for the Mass Effect franchise. The art book will be released sometime in February 2012, near Mass Effect 3's release. The BioWare Store currently offers two limited editions of the book. The first has only had 1,000 copies produced, and includes an exclusive slipcover for the book. The second has only had 1,500 copies produced, and includes an exclusive clamshell cover along with an additional 24-page "Art of the Comics" section.